Assistant Professor, Agronomy Research and Extension Specialist (Research/E

at  Montana State University

The department seeks a collaborative colleague who will embrace a multidisciplinary approach to help solve field scale production questions in crops and conventional cropping systems relevant to the highly productive dryland and irrigated cropping systems in southcentral Montana. The successful candidate shall have a broad knowledge or interest in agronomy such as cropping systems, nutrient management, irrigation management, pest and disease control, and precision farming. This is a 12-month tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level with extension (45%), research (45%), and service (10%) responsibilities funded by the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station and MSU Extension.
We seek individuals who work professionally and effectively with diverse individuals, possess effective interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills and have the ability to contribute positively to the academic success of the students and the mission of Montana State University.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS – EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Ph.D. in agronomy, crop science, soil science, or a closely related field, at time of hire;
• Record of designing, conducting, analyzing and publishing agricultural field scale research;
• Publication record of peer-reviewed journal articles and outreach materials commensurate with training and experience;
• Experience interacting and exchanging knowledge with agricultural groups (producers, crop advisers, Extension Agents, etc.) and other stakeholder groups;
• Demonstrated potential to write grant proposals and secure funding.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS – EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Postdoctoral experience;
• Experience with farmer field demonstration trials;
• Research and Extension or outreach experiences in both irrigated and rainfed cropping system;
• Strong leadership potential or experience;
• Experience with managing web-based communications and providing research-based data delivery to the public.

POSITION SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS/ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

The successful candidate is expected to develop a team-oriented applied research and Extension
education program that enhances direct application of research knowledge to create positive and sustainable outcomes within the highly productive dryland and irrigated cropping systems of southcentral Montana. Research should address field crop management that increases productivity and profits for Montana producers while protecting the natural resources of the region. Examples of important research areas may include irrigation management, exploration of alternative crops, nutrient efficiency improvement, improvement of pest and disease control, and application of precision agriculture and are not limited to research and Extension needs through discussions with stakeholders, MSU faculty members, producers, and industry Field research is to be done both on-station and on-farm through demonstration and/or research trials in farmers’ fields.
The program must support and address the needs of growers, county Extension agents, agribusinesses and the various commodity groups associated with crop enterprises. Cooperation in providing agronomic in-service education to county and state Extension Faculty and staff and Certified Crop Advisors is expected.
Opportunities exist to participate in graduate student education. Securing extramural funds
from state, regional, and national sources, as well as the agricultural industry will be necessary to provide adequate program support.
Service responsibilities include departmental and University service, participation in professional societies, and engagement with the community consistent with the missions of a Land Grant University Montana Agricultural Experiment Station, and Extension.
Close collaboration with colleagues across scientific disciplines is expected. Our research and Extension network includes the greater Department of Research Centers, on-campus departments of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences, and Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, campus and county-based Extension Faculty. Engagement with stakeholders, Extension Faculty and staff, and Research Centers to inform discovery about cropping systems in the context of managed systems is an important component of this position. The position is expected to communicate research findings in oral and written formats, including refereed publications and impactful Extension materials The successful individual will provide expertise in other research programs in the Department, College and MAES, and Extension as appropriate.